Burj Khalifa Tips for Visiting - A Must See Dubai Attraction

By Casey Makovich

No visit to Dubai is complete without visiting the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. At 2,716.5 feet tall, the Burj Khalifa holds many world records. It is the tallest free-standing structure, has the most floors, the highest occupied floor, the highest outdoor observation deck, the elevator with the longest travel distance, the tallest art gallery, and more. As the tallest building, the Burj Khalifa offers the best views of the Dubai skyline and beyond from its observation deck. When you step out of the elevators and onto the observation deck, you'll have 360-degree views of the entire city, surrounding desert, and ocean. Walk around the deck and take in the views from the At the Top experience's floor-to-ceiling windows.

How to get At the Top - Burj Khalifa discount tickets?

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We've got you covered. At the Top - Burj Khalifa admission is available with the money-saving options below. Choose a sightseeing Go Dubai pass that gets you into At the Top - Burj Khalifa and everything else in Dubai you want to do. Go Dubai passes that include admission to At the Top - Burj Khalifa:

  1. All-Inclusive Pass - Visit as many included as you want for the duration of your pass.
  2. Explorer Pass - Choose attractions as you go. Includes admission to up to 10 attractions.
  3. Build Your Own Pass - Select the attractions you want to visit before you go to Dubai.

See all available passes, attractions, and prices - Learn more. Please note: SKY access is not included on Go Dubai sightseeing passes. You can upgrade your Burj Khalifa admission to include SKY access to levels 124, 125, and 148 which includes the outdoor terrace on floor 148 and a guided tour when you arrive at the At the Top - Burj Khalifa ticket counter.

Tips for Visiting At the Top - Burj Khalifa

  • For the best photos: the best views and lighting for photos are right before sunset. Stay for the sunset and you'll get both daytime and evening views of the Dubai skyline. Or, if you want to get a surreal photo of the city in the clouds, from above the clouds, try to visit during a foggy morning.
  • Bring your camera and a selfie stick. As the highest observation deck in the world, the Burj Khalifa has plenty of photo opportunities.
  • Use the on-site telescopes to help identify the Burj Khalifa's surrounding buildings and points of interest.

When is the best time to visit the Burj Khalifa?

To avoid the crowds, visit the Burj Khalifa on a weekday, and preferably as early as you can.

What is there to do at the Burj Khalifa?

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  • Ride the 'travelator,' a 65-meter long elevator ride traveling at 10 meters per second. It will take you up to the observation floors. On the ride up, you'll watch an informative multi-media display. You will learn about the city's important history and significant moments, including how the Burj Khalifa serves as an important icon of the Middle East.
  • After you look around the 124th floor, climb the spiral staircase to the 125th floor where you'll be 456 meters above ground. Roam around the spacious deck – it's tastefully decorated in Arabic mashrabiya.
  • Explore the 'Dubai - A Falcon's Eye View' exhibit on the 125th floor observation deck. It's an exhibit that puts all of Dubai's major landmarks in perspective compared to the Burj Khalifa. It also provides a bird's-eye-view of the city.
  • Look through the deck's advanced telescopes featuring full HD cameras and high zoom. They are located on both the 124th and 125th floors and are an interactive way to see the lights and identify and learn about the landmarks.
  • Have any questions? Don't hesitate to ask Guest Ambassadors on hand to answer questions and provide context and fun trivia.
  • Watch The Dubai Fountain show and enjoy the aerial view from At the Top. You can hear the fountain performance soundtrack from At the Top for a fully immersive experience.
  • Check out the lobby of The Residence at Burj Khalifa. A sculpture named 'World Voices,' designed by Jaume Plensa, features 196 cymbal instruments that sound when water drops from the ceiling. The sounds they create are meant to sound like the voices of people around the world.
  • Giorgio Armani designed the lobby of the Armani Hotel Dubai. Be sure to check it out to experience the luxury of the Burj Khalifa.

Observation Decks

At the Top - Burj Khalifa tickets feature two different experiences:

  • At the Top - Burj Khalifa: access to levels 124 and 125 which are the main observation decks. They are included as an attraction choice on Go Dubai sightseeing passes!
  • At the Top - Burj Khalifa| SKY: access to levels 124, 125, and 148 which includes access to the outdoor terrace on the 148th floor and a guided tour. (Please note: SKY access is not included with Go Dubai sightseeing pass admission. However, you can upgrade your ticket to include SKY access when you get to the ticket counter upon arrival.

Burj Khalifa Facts

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  • Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, the 4th of the Mission Impossible series, featured the Burj Khalifa. You can see Tom Cruise scaling the side of the building.
  • The Burj Khalifa is the world's first Armani Hotel with luxury accents and designs, like fabrics and furniture. All designed by Giorgio Armani.
  • It's one of the most photographed buildings in the world.
  • The construction of the Burj Khalifa, from excavation to its televised unveiling, took 6 years to complete.
  • If you weighed the total amount of concrete used in the building's construction, it was approximately equal the weight of 100,000 elephants.
  • The tower features a Condensate Collection System that collects condensation from the tower's air-conditioning systems and irrigates the building's gardens.
  • When you visit you'll get to ride in the world's fastest double deck elevators that take you to the observation deck.
  • The structure of the Burj Khalifa features a design that embodies the structure of the Hymenocallis, or, Spider Lily flower.

What attractions are near the Burj Khalifa?

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0GitTII4dz/ The Burj Khalifa is considered the anchor of the Downtown Dubai community. It's close to lots of attractions, restaurants, shops, and more, including some of our top picks: Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo - Researcher Experience: visit one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world, home to over 140 species of aquatic animals, to learn about and get up close to thousands of sea animals, including sharks, rays, crocodiles, and more. The Green Planet: this fully-immersive vertical tropical forest features four levels of varying ecosystems, complete with plant and animal life, like butterflies, frogs, tropical birds, insects, and more. Hub Zero: this entertainment hub is a virtual gamers dream come true. It features multiple levels of highly immersive and interactive games, thrill rides, and more. You're not just playing the games, you're in them. Here, you'll be able to put all of your skills to the test at the various stations within Hub Zero. Mattel Play! Town: this innovative attraction features immersive 'edu-play' scenarios where kids can participate in simulated 'real-life' experiences with hands-on activities that require problem-solving skills, teamwork, creativity, and social skills. Mattel Play! Town is geared towards visitors ages 2-10. Hysteria Haunted House: take a walk through the dark side, located right in The Dubai Mall, at Hysteria Haunted House and see if you can make it out unscathed by this mansion's evil residents. (Please note: this attraction is intended for visitors age 18+).

Where is there to eat near the Burj Khalifa?

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If you want to grab a bite to eat before or after you visit the observation decks, here are our recommendations: Rainforest Cafe - Dubai Mall: more than a restaurant, Rainforest Cafe - Dubai Mall, is a tropical adventure. Use your Go Dubai Card All-Inclusive Pass, Explorer Pass, or add it to your Build Your Own Pass to get your choice of a meal and enjoy the entertaining atmosphere that surrounds you. Eataly Dubai Mall: Experience the culinary best of Italy without leaving the Middle East. Poke around the various stations and go on a flavor-filled adventure through Italy. Markette: It has a French-inspired menu and trendy/upscale ambiance. Markette is one of the top-rated places to eat within the Dubai Mall. Arabian Culinary Experience at Al Hallab: Head here for as authentic as it gets Lebanese cuisine for an Arabian culinary experience. Enjoy outdoor terrace views of Burj Khalifa, the Fountains, and Dubai Opera.

Need to Know

Hours: Open daily starting at 8:30 am and closes at 11PM. Getting your tickets: When you arrive at Burj Khalifa, you'll receive a timed ticket for admission to the Burj Khalifa. Based on availability, it might be at a later time in the day or on a later date. Address: At the Top, Burj Khalifa / Level: Lower Ground Floor, The Dubai Mall Parking: Cinema Parking (Green), P1 Dubai Check out our suggestions for the best attractions in Dubai and the top 10+ things to do in Abu Dhabi for more itinerary inspiration. If you decide to visit Dubai during Ramadan be sure to check out our helpful guide.

Save on Admission Tickets with a Go Dubai All-Inclusive Pass

Remember, the Go Dubai All-Inclusive Pass is the best choice for maximum savings and sightseeing flexibility in Dubai. Choose from over 35 included attractions, like At the Top - Burj Khalifa. Get admission to all of Dubai's top attractions. Save up to 55% on top museums, tours, and activities vs. paying at the gate. Visit multiple Dubai attractions for one low price.

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Things to do in Dubai in Summer

Summer is most people's favorite time of year. The sun is out, the sky's no longer grey, and it's the time of year when vacations often turn from dreams into reality. So, where do you choose to go on your summer vacation? Dubai - one of the hottest cities on the planet. Fair play, we respect the commitment to summertime. So, you'll be wanting to know about the best things to do in Dubai in summer, won't you? Right this way, please. The doctor is ready to see you. Dr. ...Fun. Dr. Summer Fun, MD. Including: Cool off at Dubai's excellent waterparks Check out the relaxing beach club scene Chill out on the slopes Kick back on the beach Take to the seas and tour the sunny surroundings Make a splash When it comes to summertime, water is a human's best friend. We drink it to hydrate us, we spray it on our faces to cool down, and we like to submerge ourselves in it when the temperature rises. But why settle for swimming when you can cannon down a water slide and make a real splash? Dubai waterpark scene is popping off, with a number of the wonders dotted about the city. Arguably the best is Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm. You'll find a good mix of kid-friendly entertainment and stuff for the grown-ups and opportunities to relax between the action. Make sure you check out the Leap of Faith, which drops you nine stories into a transparent tube surrounded by deadly sharks; Aquaconda, which is a snakey slide that will leave your head spinning; and Aquaventure Beach, which lets you relax and dry off after a hectic splash. If you're willing to travel, take a boat over to the beautiful Yas Island and check out Yas Waterworld. Featuring over 40 unique rides and appealing to all ages, it's the perfect remedy to the summer heat. Our recommendations are Bandit Bomber, a suspended rollercoaster that cannons around the track and splashes you with water; Liwa Loop, another plummeting ride that drops you into winding tubes; and Cinesplash, a thrilling 5D cinema experience that will leave you mouth agape and your legs thoroughly soaked! If you've got the little ones with you, why not treat them to a waterpark built just for them? That would be LEGOLAND® Water Park, where the wonderful world of colorful building blocks comes to life. With 20 LEGO®-themed rides featuring some recognizable faces, your kids will love it. The Joker Soaker will pit you against LEGO® Batman's arch nemesis, as you splash around his playground. At LEGO® Slide Racers, you'll board your mat and bomb your way down this white knuckle ride. Thrills, chills, and hopefully, no spills await you. And, at Splash Out, you'll plummet down into the water in a kid-friendly way this time. Go clubbing, Dubai style We're not talking about busting some moves at the discotheque here; we're talking about beach clubs. These hubs of rest and relaxation can be the perfect answer to a long, hot day in Dubai. So it's no wonder that you'll find plenty of them lining the coast. Providing great views, great food, and good vibes, they're one of the best things to do in Dubai in summer. We recommend Twiggy by La Cantine. Its Central European splendor is exemplified by its all-white decor. Think white loungers draped in white sheets, and you're halfway there. But alongside the ambiance and a delightful menu of Mediterranean bites, its biggest selling point is unarguably the near-330ft infinity pool. Or, if the discotheque sounded like music to your ears, then you'll have your head turned by Surf Club. There, you can join the dancing masses on the dancefloor while DJs spin bouncy cuts, or simply sit back, admire the atmosphere, and feast on some delicious seafood. Whichever way you like your beach clubs, Surf Club's got you covered. Ski for your life When things get too hot outside, it could leave you wishing you'd gone somewhere cold instead. Rather than hiding inside, you could be hitting the slopes. Well, turn that frown upside down, you warm devil, because Ski Dubai is here to bring the chills and thrills where you'd least suspect them. How can snowy hills exist in Dubai, which is categorically hotter than the sun? Well, thanks to the largest indoor ski center on planet Earth, that's how! With plenty of slopes to conquer, lifts to scale, and even adorable penguins to see, it's about as close as you can get to an authentic mountaintop experience in the middle of the desert. Oh, and they provide you with all the equipment and teach newbies too, if you need the guidance. Easily one of the best things to do in Dubai on a hot summer day. Son of a beach, I'm in And finally, after all our recommendations for avoiding the heat, let's end with one that embraces the furnace. After all, it may have been the white dunes and pristine beaches that brought you here in the first place. So buckle up because it's beach time, baby. Let's talk about some of Dubai's finest sand factories. One of the biggest and arguably best beaches in Dubai, and well worth adding to your travel itinerary, is the Jumeirah Beach Residence - or JBR. This massive beach has everything you could ever want - clean white sand, warm blue water, and enough space to stretch out and make the most of it. It's also open 24 hours, though swimming is not permitted after the sun goes down due to the risks involved. Our other recommendation goes to Umm Suqeim Beach, which has a bigger focus on water sports and activities. You'll find more than a few surfers riding the waves here, and while they're hardly magnificent, they're about as good as you'll get in the Persian Gulf. It's a 24-hour beach too, but this time you can swim until midnight thanks to Smart Power lights that flood the beach. And that's our list of the best things to do in Dubai in summer! If you're in the market for some more unforgettable activities, look no further than Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want.
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Best Water Parks in Dubai

Water - the great life-giver. While you're reading this, we'd like to remind you to have a drink of the good stuff. We don't drink enough water, and with temperatures rising across the globe, we need to stay hydrated to stay good. But water isn't just good for us, it can be a lot of fun too. And, with these hot days getting hotter and more frequent, what better way to cool off than at a waterpark? And where better to cool off than in Dubai, a city that lives in a near-perpetual heatwave during the brighter months? Unsurprisingly, Dubai is full of the watery wonders. So, if you want to know which ones to visit, read on and discover the best water parks in Dubai! Including: Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm Yas Waterworld LEGOLAND® Water Park Wild Wadi Waterpark Laguna Waterpark Aquaventure Water Park at Atlantis The Palm Let's kick things off with arguably one of the best water parks in Dubai. Head to the grand Atlantis The Palm, and submerge yourself in pure, unadulterated fun. And water - lots of brilliant, flowing water. Built for kids and bigger kids alike, Aquaventure Water Park mixes it up with plenty of splashtastic fun while also providing plenty of places to relax and enjoy the weather. When you're vacationing in a hot desert oasis like Dubai, you'll need every opportunity to cool down! But what makes Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm one of the best waterparks in Dubai? Let's explore some of its highlights. Leap of Faith Imagine plunging down a nine-story slide through a transparent tube, all while you're surrounded by sharks and rays. That is Leap of Faith, and that's why it's awesome. Aquaconda Given the snake-like nature of this beast, the name does it justice. This windy slide hurls you through the dark before you drop into the world's largest fiberglass tube. Poseidon's Revenge Draw the ire of the great sea god, and feel his wrath as you plummet down at 60mph. Not for the faint of heart, but an adrenaline-fuelled ride for you daring sorts The Rapids Do your best River Wild impression as you hold on for dear life in this white knuckle, near 2-kilometer river ride. Splasher's Children's Play Area This kids-only play area has tons of mini slides, climbing frames, and even tipping buckets, so they won't miss out on all the fun. Aquaventure Beach Yes, this waterpark even has its own freaking beach. The perfect place to relax when you need a break from all the splashing. Yas Waterworld Located on the magical, mystical Yas Island, you'll find another of the best water parks in Dubai! Pretty much anywhere you turn, you'll run into a water park. And, with over 40 amazing rides, Yas Waterworld is well worth a visit. Appealing to all ages, sizes, and bravery levels, it's the perfect summer pitstop for flushed faces. Let's talk about its best bits. Bandit Bomber This brilliant ride is a suspended rollercoaster that darts, dives, and bombs around the park while inundating you with water, lasers, and other sensory delights. Liwa Loop Dubai sure love their plummeting rides! Liwa Loop combines the sheer drop with winding tubes and dumps you out with a splash. This one's for the brave. Sebag Go head-to-head with five other sliders as you race down this six-laner and see if you're aerodynamic enough to clinch first place. Falcons Falaj From a six-laner to a six-seater, this loopy ride will push you and five friends to the limit. Scream if you want, no one will judge you. Al Raha River Take your foot off the gas at this lazy river ride, which calmly carries you along beautiful streams and through dazzling caverns. Cinesplash If your idea of fun is a flooded cinema, you'll love Cinesplash. As the water rises to your knees, enjoy the 5D cinematic experience, which includes waterfalls, moving seats, and water explosions. Unmissable, in our book. LEGOLAND® Water Park While many of the best water parks in Dubai are child-friendly, LEGOLAND® Water Park is the only one that caters to them specifically. But just because it puts kids first doesn't mean older, bigger kids can't get in on the fun. With 20 LEGO®-themed rides featuring some recognizable faces, your kids will love it. And hey, maybe you will too. So let's see what they'll get up to. Build-A-Boat Challenge your kids to a boat-off, and see who can build the most impressive vessel. And let them win, yeah? Unless you're that type of parent. LEGO® Slide Racers Board your mat, and bomb your way down this white knuckle ride. Thrills, chills, and hopefully, no spills await you. Joker Soaker Face LEGO® Batman's arch nemesis as you splash and crash around his watery playground. Splash Out Another big drop ride, this one's a little more kid-friendly. But don't get it twisted - they still need to be brave to take the plunge! Red Rush Team up with the fam and steer your raft along the curving track. Twin Chasers Compete against one another as you race to the bottom of this twisting, spinning ride. Splash N Swirl Team up or go it alone on this swirling tube ride. DUPLO® toddler play area Perfect for the little little ones, they'll enjoy the slides, animals, water features, and other activities geared towards their wonder-filled minds. Wild Wadi Waterpark At the stunning Jumeirah Beach Hotel, you'll find this must-visit, Arabian-themed water park. Fun for the whole family, it caters to both young and old alike. Highlights include Jumeirah Sceirah, a nearly 400ft long tandem slide, where you and your sliding partner will reach speeds of up to 49mph! Breakers Bay is the biggest wave pool in the United Arab Emirates - do you have the will and determination to survive? Laguna Water Park Featuring four zones of fun, Laguna Water Park has it all. With each one dedicated to splashing, sliding, surfing, and relaxing, no matter what you're in the mood for, you'll find it there. Enjoy a relaxing float down the lazy river, or dare yourself to ride the thrilling slides - it's entirely up to you. Though the park is arguably more about beach vibes than thrill rides, we cannot leave without mentioning the WaveOz 180 Flowrider, the world's first 180-degree surf machine. It has to be seen to believed, and ridden to be respected. And those were our picks for the best water parks in Dubai! Looking for some drier, land-based activities to pair with your watery ones? Check out Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want.
Dom Bewley

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